"In this business, you line them up, you give it your best shot, and then we have to choose," Holmgren said. "We have to choose somebody to play. Right now, we have four quarterbacks on the roster and they are going to compete for the position."

Weeden, a former New York Yankees' farmhand, likely would not have been chosen so highly if the Browns did not think he was ready to play right away.

"I think we have the best chance of making (the QB situation) work because of who the people are, who the players are," Holmgren added. "It is never easy, everyone wants to play. But you only have one ball and only one guy can play at a time."

Cleveland surprised draft gurus by taking Weeden as early as it did, considering his age (28) and the concern that his skills might not translate into the pro game. McCoy, whom Holmgren and the Browns selected in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft, is nearly four years younger than the rookie Weeden.

McCoy showed up to the Browns' offseason workout program Monday despite the seeming uncertainty about his future. The team has had internal discussions about dealing McCoy, but general manager Tom Heckert said the club has not discussed potential deals with any teams.

It is not known if McCoy has asked for a trade. His record as a starter is 6-15 over the past two seasons.